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Zoo Fund-Raiser

Ventura County is without a zoo. No roaring tigers; no frolicking monkeys or sea otters to enjoy.

That could soon change, however. Moorpark College's Exotic Animal Training and Management school--a unique program that places students in jobs working with animals all over the world--wants to expand into a full-fledged zoo.

To raise funds, an open house "Spring Spectacular" will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday on campus. Featured will be guided tours of the training facility, training demonstrations and question-and-answer presentations. "Participants will view our animals from areas that won't be available to the public," said Susan Cox, education coordinator.

"There are many people in the county that drive to the Santa Barbara or L.A. zoos," Cox said, "so we want to accommodate them."

Cox said the would-be zoo will include a large grazing area for water buffalo, gazelles and the like, and a marine mammal exhibit, complete with large training and presentation tanks.

"We'll also have a large-cat exhibit with lions, tigers and cougars," she said.